2015 Hyundai Sonata First Drive

Significant Changes Equal Significant Improvement

As the brand ambassador for Hyundai, the Sonata midsize sedan is perhaps the most important car in the corporate lineup. It's certainly important for Hyundai's bottom line, with even the long-in-the-tooth 2014 model capturing 27 percent of the brand's 2014 sales year-to-date, second only to the smaller Elantra's 32 percent. The Sonata is also Hyundai's warrior in the bloodiest battleground in the industry, so what it doesn't need is dud ammunition.

But the car's no dud. In fact, from an aesthetic standpoint, the 2015 car is a hit. It successfully transitions away from the previous generation's eye-catching but superfluous styling. Contemporary, crisp lines replace the swoops and waves of the older model; Hyundai says the new car appears more mature, and I couldn't agree more. Thanks to the new styling, the car's drag coefficient has dropped from 0.28 to 0.27, which undoubtedly helps fuel economy too.Like the exterior, the interior is heavily influenced by the recent Hyundai Genesis redesign. Out is the old wave-form dash, shiny plastic and gimmicky human-shaped climate controls, replaced with softer matte finishes and a clean, clear layout. The center stack is wider than in the outgoing model and has a distinctly BMW-like, trapezoidal design, with either stereo controls or a touchscreen display at top (5 or 8 inches depending on whether navigation is included) and switchgear organized in rows beneath. The 8-inch display looks especially nice, and Hyundai says that it is both Apple CarPlay- and Google Android Auto-compatible, with an update slated to come later this year that will be retro-compatible to all 2015 Sonata and Genesis sedans.

The 2015 Sonata is slightly larger than its 2014 counterpart. Hyundai says it's an inch wider and longer, with a 0.4-inch wheelbase stretch. The increased overall dimensions translate to an additional inch of rear legroom and a touch more headroom both front and rear. With 122.4 cubic inches of total interior volume, the EPA apparently now classifies the Sonata as a large car instead of midsize. Placing my 5'11" frame in the rear seat, the changes aren't enough to make the Sonata feel limo-like, unlike the current Volkswagen Passat and Honda Accord, but legroom is noticeably improved and I was able to get plenty comfortable.Changes also come to the Sonata's suspension, the geometry of the front struts having been revised and the change made from a single- to dual-lower arm setup in the rear multilink suspension. The steering system was given a larger-diameter column and increased rack stiffness to improve precision and on-center feel. All models feature column-mounted electric power steering, except for the 2.0T Sport which gets its EPS system mounted on the rack for improved steering feel.

A total of five basic versions of 2015 Sonata will be available by this fall. The SE is the new base model (previously called GLS) and that, along with the Sport (previously SE) and Limited models receive the familiar 2.4-liter GDI inline-four engine and six-speed automatic transmission. That engine is revised slightly with new electrically actuated valve timing and a retune to push power lower in the rpm range at the consequence of a slight loss of peak output (down a few points to 185 hp and 178 lb-ft of torque). The old 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 continues to serve in the 2.0T Sport model, and receives a few changes. New variable flaps in the intake manifold are aimed at saving fuel when decelerating and more efficient exhaust flow to and from the twin-scroll turbocharger helps efficiency and low-end torque, though the car is down to 245 hp and 260 lb-ft (a drop of 29 hp and 9 lb-ft from the year before). The 2.0T engine is mated to the same six-speed auto as the 2.4 GDI, with a lever-actuated manual mode. A 1.6-liter twin-scroll turbo I-4 makes its way into a new Eco model which also receives Hyundai's new seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The new gearbox was designed in-house and is still being tweaked for optimum response and efficiency ahead of August production. The Eco model is estimated to produce around 177 hp and 195 lb-ft of torque, or a little less power and a little more torque than the base 2.4, while offering better fuel efficiency. EPA ratings are estimated at 32 mpg combined for the Eco, while the SE manages 29 mpg combined and the 2.0T Sport, 26 mpg combined.

I drove several versions of 2015 Sonata around the Southern country roads outside Montgomery, Alabama, the first being the 2.4 Limited. The example I drove was well equipped with standard brown leather seats and quality-looking faux wood trim that contrasted well with the matte silver finishes elsewhere. On the road, the car seems to ride with a little more composure than the 2014 version; body movements are better controlled and while the ride is still on the sporty side for the segment, even the larger 17-inch wheels on 215/55/17 Kumho tires allowed for a fairly comfortable journey. There isn't much evidence that outright power is lost, the new car being down around 5 hp and 3 lb-ft on the older model, but the power does seem to come in a touch stronger at low rpms, as Hyundai suggests. All 2015 models get a drive mode selection button, which toggles from Eco to Normal to Sport at the user's command. As these things tend to go, the Eco setting will likely only be used once by new owners, the retardation of the throttle response and demand for high gear being too frustrating in most driving situations. Normal mode works just fine for 95 percent of daily driving, while the Sport setting boosts throttle response further, holds gears longer and weights up the steering from a touch light to a touch firm (again, as is usually the case).Next up was a 2.0T Sport with 18-inch wheels and 235/45/18 Kumho tires. A weak point of the older 2.0T was always its somewhat dogged performance for its segment, despite impressive-looking power figures. Though output is claimed to be reduced, the new twin-scroll turbo does help generate boost quicker than before, giving more immediate power delivery. While Hyundai says that measured acceleration time should be roughly the same, the impression from behind the wheel is much better. The 2.0T Sport also gets 1 mm-thicker anti-roll bars front and rear, along with revised spring rates, though in normal driving, I was hard-pressed to find much of a difference in the way the 2.0T Sport rode versus the 2.4 Limited. The 2.0T Sport is also the only model fitted with paddle shifters (instead of just a lever-actuated manual mode), though they're plasticky in feel and manual shifts still come a bit slowly to be considered sporty.

In a very brief, end-of-day drive, the Eco 1.6T proved to be the surprise of the day for its fun-to-drive nature. The smaller-displacement engine was smoother than either the 2.4 or 2.0T, zipping to redline more eagerly than its siblings. The Eco felt at least as quick as the 2.4-equipped Limited, thanks to an extra helping of torque that masked its slight disadvantage in horsepower. There were no wheel-mounted shift paddles for the new dual-clutch transmission (this is the Eco model, after all) but I came away fairly impressed with its response. Lever-actuated manual shifts came noticeably quicker than with the six-speed auto, and left to its own devices, the DCT was mostly smooth and seamless in its gear changes. I'd still like to see a little adjustment for even quicker manual changes, but that likely won't come until the gearbox finds a home in a sportier model. Nevertheless, the Eco I drove is what you'd call pre-pre-production (a pilot car, in Hyundai terms) so there are bound to be a few changes before production starts.Overall, the 2015 gets some serious improvements in styling, ride quality, interior room, and steering, while gaining a bit more responsiveness across the model range. With a base price set just below that of the 2014 car, the new Sonata represents good value too. Watch this space -- we won't be able to resist a side-by-side comparison test against the current segment leaders for long.

This new Sonata is much more toned down. It looks alright, but nothing special. The back lights look strange though. And the interior is 10 steps backward from the last Sonata. Hyundai needs to get their heads straight.

An overall positive review and a good first impression. While the styling is clean, conservative, and less overwrought/controversial, I think this design will age much better than the outgoing model. It is more in line with the new Genesis, which both have a greater road presence this time around. I like the fact that Hyundai listens to their customers and changed this generation for the better. Even the driving dynamics has improved dramatically and MT gave it a thumbs up. Very impressive Hyundai. This car will give the segment a run for their money. A lot of Hyundai haters out there, which tells you that this car will outshine a lot of the competition and their loyalists. Seems that the others have gone the other direction, namely Toyota/Lexus which are really overwrought in design and ugly in my opinion.

This thing looks like a Ford Fusion. I hope it doesn't feel as cheap as the current. A coworker has one,2012, and everytime I ride in it I think cheap. The sound that the doors make when closing them does not sound like quality to me.

I really like the exterior design, looks great. However, the interior - the center stack really took a step backwards. Looks very half-ass. BMW is definitely NOT who you want to benchmark for interior design, major no-no.

All of the reviews I've read seem to be positive, with points that the steering, ride and handling are all greatly improved. All of the reviews also mention the Eco as the surprise of the Sonata lineup. That's probably the Sonata to get. As for the styling, I'll have to wait to see it in person.

I hope this helps and if not, I gave my two cents. The new car on the outside looks nice. The inside, it has lost it's charm. My girlfriend picked up a '14 Turbo Limited. The plastics are nice and lean just a bit on the cheap side, but looks good and it is solid. As far as room, I actually put the seat two clicks forward from the last position. I am used to sliding back the seat since I am 6'4". The car is very roomy.

OK. I drive it and it rides solid and very smooth. I whipped it around a couple of turns and it remained flat. I can't wait for the Hankook's to wear off and put some Michelin's on. Lat car I drove the handled that well was a Mazda 6.

Hyundai did a good job and they got smart adding the sport feel to the steering heft. I like it.

The electronic goodies on it are neat. I took me a minute but now I figured them out, it is easy to operate. Okay, now the real stuff.

The engine is smooth and quiet. The turbo spools up quick and holds as long as you want. Transmission is very smooth and does a great job handling the power. Okay, everyone has been thumbing around trying to see the real numbers on this thing or seeing if they are actually what MT posts. The car is still breaking in and I will give a nice little test when it hits over the break in period. I did romp on it while test driving and the nose is still up at 90 and it was eager to go. I also had my girlfriend time me and hit 60 just a hair over 6 seconds. This with three people in the car and in drive and on 87 octane. The car is quick and it will surprise you.

Per my request, the is now using 92 octane or better ethanol free gas. I am going to order a K&N for it and going to upgrade to synthetic at the first oil change. The car was averaging 22 to 23 in town with the air on. Finally flushed out the corn, it is now running 25 to 26 in town. When I get it right, I hope to see 27 to 28..I hope..

I still think it was the wrong call in reducing horsepower. Sure, the previous models had the proper ratings that cars in this class should have, but needed more refinement and better transmissions to make use of the engines power. These new engines may be more efficient, but performance will move towards the rear of the class, and I doubt they are any smoother.

Car and Driver just tested the new 2.0T, and recorded a 0-60 time of 8 seconds! That seems, a bit on the high side (early production issues maybe), but It proves my point.

I like the way this car looks, much more mature stance than the current model. I guess Hyundai heard the awesome fuss that was made over the Optima because this Sonata seems to have gotten a little closer in styling to its sister car IMO. One small nitpick though - why didn't they camouflage the sensor in the front grille on the Limited model a little better?

Whew! I was worried out-of-control swoopy design themes were going to take over, but this new Sonata has put those demons back in the box. Looks much better, but will still suffer from greater depreciation than Camry and Accord.

IIRC, the US-EPA did classify the '09-14 Sonata as a full-size (~ 120.5 cu. ft of interior), while its' stablemate, the Kia Optima is still a mid-size (~ 118 cu. ft.of interior). Even more so, US-EPA has classified the Sonata as a "large car" (120+ cu. ft.) since '04 MY, 2 generations ago...

Maybe the change to a more conservative stance is what will separate it from the Kia Optima (still they haven't shown the expected new '15 MY version).

I don't really care too much for how Sonata/Optima and the NoAm Camry are being perceived, since all three have a lot of "troll following" on Forums for whatever reason...

Not too good, not too bad. Right on the cutting edge of.......mediocre! If it were a little better, it could be a Nissan Altima. But it dreams of being King Camry, King of the Jungle!

BTW, the 2015 King Camry will be redesigned this fall. Quieter, sportier, with Qi wireless smartphone charging, and the new XSE Sport trim. It's coming to steal any minor thunder the lowly Sonata can generate.

YOUR King Camry is ready to rule for many, many years come, as I predicted.

You all said I was wrong, but of course, I was right.....BECAUSE I'M BLACK DYNAMITE!!!

@jolawh1965 Well… as the interior of the previous Sonata was as good as most mid size cars… I'm assuming you thought the ride felt cheap because of the chassis… the article states the ride quality has been significantly improved along with many other aspects…

From the side the Sonata does remind me of the Fusion… but it reminds me more of the previous Sonata...

@ThrottleBlip What point is that? There was a significant reason for the slow imes of the Sonata C/D tested. They wrote two whole paragraphs on it. C/D certainly doesn't think the performance will be lqcking given the estimates they posted.

"The intercooler hose clamp fell off twice during our test, which may or may not have triggered a lower-power mode; we will retest the 2.0T as soon as possible, at which point the performance numbers may improve."

Agreed. I think the two cars have flip-flopped from the Optima being slightly better looking to the Sonata being slightly better looking. And with the new suspension tweaks, likely better to drive, as well.

@Black Dynamite Online I like the first line you said, never heard it before, especially not from you. So original. Much intelligence. Wow. /Sarc

And by making the camry sportier, do you mean adding an S badge, plastic panels, and claiming it stays more grounded to the ground? That's class-leading stuff right there. I'm sure Mazda is in a panic right now....

@Black Dynamite Online Have you seen the front end of the 2015 Camry, with its huge black plastic bottom feeder grill, which is mostly decorative with rather small actual vent openings... kinda like the recent Focus. The more expensive models mimic the Avalon grill but in a cheap plasticy way. I'm reserving final judgment on the Camry and Sonata until I see them in real life, but based on photos alone... the Sonata looks like a winner and it looks like the Camry screwed up. Sonata = cohesive design. Camry = non-cohesive desperation!

@Black Dynamite Online Honestly just shut that trash mouth of yours, from all the times seeing you bash anything thats not Toyota/Lexus its gotten pretty annoying. Now you'll probably do your only defence and call me a troll, well no im just defending cars that get put down by the toyota-troll and just to let you know BD, you'll be seeing alot more of me :)

@PUNKem733 @Vette_59 What is funny; the car that was traded in for my girlfriends '14 Sonata was a Camry. The reason, it was literally losing its engine. 124,000 on it and it burnt up a quart of oil each month. It blew white smoke out the tail pipe at low rpm. I know if it is blue smoke, the rings are going bad. I think white is an internal leak from a worn out gasket or possible crack somewhere.